This is an exceptional Old Pawn Zuni Silver Petit Point Turquoise Squash Blossom Necklace by renowned silversmith Valentino Matilda Banteah dating to circa 1950-1960’s. The piece exhibits a sterling silver fine heavy construction with handmade sterling silver concho desert pearl beads being double strung on a sterling silver chain link strand. At the base is the large three row squash naja necklace pendant which is wonderfully set with a petit point or needle point pattern having amazing natural North American Turquoise from the Morenci Turquoise Mine, the squash naja is stamped on the back, “V.M.B.”. The piece also is strung with twelve blossoms pendants which show the traditional three pedal blossom end and amazing oval petit point, or needle point turquoise set pattern with fine sterling silver spot and rope silver accents. Victor Matilda Banteah was an award-winning artist, who was born in Lukachukai, Arizona, actively silversmithing from 1950 to the mid-1980’s. His work is collected worldwide and is highly collectible, being considered Old Pawn / Vintage Pawn. Some pieces have been sold for this artist around $5,000. The necklace is in excellent condition for its early age showing no major damages, no missing stones and good original patina. Measures 27” strand, hangs 15.75” from clasp down to end of pendant, pendant is 3.25” by 3” and each blossom is 2” by 1 1/8”.